Is this an option? Cam tensioner RnR

[Kiloecho]

A few days back I coattailed an old post on replacing the cam chain tensioner and have had no response. After rereading my post I felt it might be considered rhetorical so I decided to do a new stand alone post asking the question.

After reviewing the factory manual, it looks to me that all you should have to do to replace the chain tensioner would be remove the cam chain cover, jamb a piece of wood against the chain, mark the crank sprocket and chain with a dab of paint and then replace the tensioner. Remove the wood, release the tensioner by turning engine counter-clockwise and the wrench 4 revolution clockwise to verify paint mark lines up and timing was unchanged.

It seems the manual provides instruction for “Best practice” with which I do not disagree, in that it instructs the user to delve deeper in order to verify timing is correct with a visual inspection of the cam sprocket alignment marks. On my 11,500 mile 2017 TT removing the tank, cam cover and other associated parts seems like extra work. I'm on track to be at 20,000 miles in another year and would like to put off the entire job until then. In the meantime I have a start up rattle that took a few minutes to quiet down last ride.

Here is something to ponder. We have had flooding here in Tennessee and in nearby Kentucky many lost their lives due to flood waters. My storage shed had 7 inches of standing water in which the TT was standing in for at least a couple days before I got home to find it. Could the excessive moisture have played a part in the unusually noisy start? I get back home tomorrow and eager to see if the next start sounds better.

As a result, I’ve had the manual out and searching threads for an answer. 

[STJIM]

I don't think the water caused the problem.  But maybe sitting for several day did.

I notice on my '16 TTSE, there is no camshaft chain noise on start up if the bike is ridden every day.  But if it sits for several days there is a rattle for a few seconds after the first start of the day.

I'll proably replace the tensioner next year.

[digital]

I'm sorry for the uncontrolled storm waters suffered.

It is very possible that it is due to the chain tensioner. It takes a few seconds to collect its necessary oil and until it is fully lubricated, it does not stop ringing. That yes, it should last a few seconds, no more than that.

[Kiloecho]

I left it on the center stand for 10 days and it started without a hint of noise. 

Riden from Knoxville to Nashville this past weekend and now halfway to Detroit.

Can anyone confirm my question above about swapping out chain tensioner without breaking it down to verify cam timing via a visual inspection of the cam timing marks?

Thanks,

Kevin

[STJIM]

I did a valve adjust in the spring.

Based on my experience,  IMO opinion I would only remove the small cover on the right side to observe the cam chain, and then remove the old tensioner and replace it.   But if the bike sat for 10 days and it started w/o any cam chain "rattle" then what's the problem ?

[Kiloecho]

Originally Posted by STJIM

I did a valve adjust in the spring.

   But if the bike sat for 10 days and it started w/o any cam chain "rattle" then what's the problem ?

I agree! The start after it stood in the flood water sounded like a punk rock warm up band. It got me just a bit concerned. Reason would say the excessive moisture from 7 inches of standing water would not cause the chain rattle I had, but it appears to be gone now. I just put 800 miles on it this weekend and had no issues at all.

As far as swapping out a chain tensioner, I think it can be done as I described. Hopefully, I can put it off 8,000 miles until the 20,000 mile service is due.

[speighty58]

the 20k service would be the perfect time to replace it if you need to.
Everything will be stripped down and it'll only be a minor labour cost to replace it.

Not sure of the cost of a new one - but the 20k is already quite a chunk of cash -

[STJIM]

It's about $93 USD.